as in bought
made beforehand in large numbers she chose to have her computer designed to her specifications rather than buying an off-the-shelf machine

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of off-the-shelf As opposed to purchasing off-the-shelf components, the company manufactures almost everything in-house, from the engine to the batteries. New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2025 The startup Signos makes the system, which uses AI and an off-the-shelf continuous glucose monitor from Dexcom . Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025 Unlike lithium-ion systems, which depend on expensive and often hard-to-source materials, this battery uses off-the-shelf mechanical components and simple physics. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025 In their place: a range of vehicles and drones that can be fielded quickly, and, in many cases, with commercial, off-the-shelf technology. Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-the-shelf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-the-shelf
Adjective
  • The chain said that refunds would be available to patrons who had pre-bought tickets.
    Patrick Frater, Variety, 14 July 2022
  • Cineplex has also begun offering refunds to all customers that pre-bought tickets for upcoming film screenings.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2022
Adjective
  • The latest cuts are the third wave of reductions in administrative and other non-store jobs in 2025, following Kroger's back-to-back cuts in February and March.
    Alexander Coolidge, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The store cuts come months after Kroger announced two rounds of layoffs of an unspecified number of non-store workers this spring.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Off-the-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-the-shelf. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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